State of Theology Survey Reveals Evangelicals Confused and Conflicted on Core Beliefs

Analysis & Context

A comprehensive new State of Theology survey has revealed significant doctrinal confusion among American evangelicals on fundamental Christian beliefs. The findings paint a troubling picture of theological literacy in the contemporary church, with many self-identified evangelicals holding contradictory positions on essential doctrines.

The survey found that substantial percentages of evangelicals expressed uncertainty or disagreement with historic Christian teachings about the nature of God, the exclusivity of salvation through Christ, the authority of Scripture, and the reality of eternal judgment. Perhaps most concerning, many respondents appeared unaware that their beliefs contradicted orthodox Christian theology.

Among the most striking findings: a significant minority of evangelicals affirmed that God accepts the worship of all religions, that Jesus was a great teacher but not divine, and that the Bible contains errors. These positions stand in direct contradiction to the doctrinal statements of virtually every evangelical denomination and institution.

Theologians and church leaders have responded with alarm, pointing to the survey as evidence of a deepening crisis in biblical literacy and doctrinal formation. Many attribute the confusion to a decline in systematic theological education within local churches, the influence of cultural relativism, and the rise of social media as a primary source of theological information.

The survey also revealed generational divides, with younger evangelicals more likely to hold heterodox views on sexuality, the exclusivity of Christ, and the nature of Scripture. This trend has prompted calls for renewed investment in catechesis and discipleship programs that ground believers in historic Christian orthodoxy.

Church leaders across denominations have called for a return to robust theological education at the congregational level, arguing that the survey results reflect a failure of pastoral leadership to prioritize doctrinal formation alongside emotional and experiential aspects of faith.